How to Become a Financial Writer
Money is something we all have in common. We all want to be able to do more with our money. We want to make the most of it, make smart decisions and to learn how to make more money. Because of that, there are a lot of questions to answer, a number of financial products and opportunities to explain, and an abundance of confused people. This presents an opportunity for you if you like to write and have a financial background or a love for budgeting. Here’s how:
#1 Determine how you want to make your living. There are a number of opportunities for financial writers. You can be a freelance financial writer, working for magazines, newspapers and writing for online clients. There is definitely a market for skilled financial writers.
You can also work for a company and write for them as an employee. Again, your employer may be a financial publication or a company that sells financial products. You could even work for a financial advising or planning company and write materials to help market them and inform their customers.
Finally, you can become a financial writer by writing, marketing and selling your own financial information products. You can write books, reports and even create ecourses to educate others about financial matters.
#2 Educate yourself on financial matters. While some things stay the same, when it comes to money matters, other things change quite quickly. Depending on your chosen specialty (for example, consumer financial planning, financial markets, global finance, etc.), you’ll need to make sure you’re well versed on your topic so you can write intelligently and clearly.
Industry jargon and technical language may work well if you’re writing for financial experts; however, if you’re writing for the general public then a knack for explaining things clearly, in layman’s terms, is required.
#3 Create your portfolio. No, not your financial portfolio – your writing portfolio. Write financial content that addresses your chosen specialty or niche. These pieces are what you’ll use to market your skills to freelance clients and/or potential employers.
You can build your portfolio by working on spec (the client pays if and only if they like/use the content). You can also build your portfolio by simply writing financial content that interests you and publishing it online on your own website or blog, on article marketing websites, or on content aggregate websites.
#4 Create a website. Regardless of your chosen career path, a website is beneficial. Use your website to market your information products and to market yourself to employers or freelance clients. Also, use it to educate and inform others.
There are many opportunities for financial writers, and if you’re knowledgeable about financial or money matters and have a knack for writing, it can be a wonderful way to make a living.



Just to elaborate on point number 2; While formal education isn’t a necessity, it certainly goes a long way in getting you hired by potential clients. It gives your resume a financial touch that employers would obviously like to see.
Very true, especially in a market like finance where it’s so important that you KNOW what you’re talking about.